In the early part of the 1980s, the Concept 2 rowing machines were introduced to the world. The machines are made and shipped from Vermont, and the company developed this rower simply because they were so aware of the need to train in wintertime. That was the driving thought to come up with a means by which professional rowers and hobbyists would not have to wait for the temperatures to get warm to engage in their sport. From the get-go, this company aimed to use the best engineering and technology available in their rowing exercise machines. I have the unique perspective to write about this since I have owned a Concept 2 for almost 10 years. So I’ll mention some specifics in this review of Concept 2 rowers.

You will find two rowing machine models available, the Model D and E. If you want to spend less, then the Model D is what you want to get. The performance monitors are called, PM3 or PM4, and they are part of the package with every rower. The PM3 is standard on the Model D rower with an option to upgrade to the PM4. The other option, which is pricier, is the E rowing machine with the PM4 monitor. The Model E is priced two to three hundred fifty dollars more than the Model D based on which monitoring device you select.

The monitoring devices, PM3 and PM4, are sleek designs that provide the most essential metrics for monitoring your pulse and rowing stats. The way you can do that with the heart rate is with an additional unobtrusive device that you wear across your chest area. You may think it will be noticeable and cause discomfort, but that is not the case. As soon as you begin rowing your mind will not even notice the monitor is there. There are no wires either since the data is transmitted to the monitor.

The only thing needed is the resistance to create the rowing action, and that is attained with a flywheel on the front of the rower. There are no safety issues with this as it is entirely covered in a plastic assembly. You can adjust the amount of resistance using a small lever found on the flywheel housing. If you are thinking this is something that will create noise, then that is not the case as this rowing machine is very quiet. The flywheel revolves when you row, and it generates a soft air movement that is extremely quiet. But it is much more silent than any fan because you will not be generating the same amount of RPM’s as an electrical fan. Unless the person in the other room is an extremely light sleeper, you won’t have to worry about stirring up other people.

Either performance monitor also gives you the chance you to observe different types of data about your rowing in real time. It is helpful from the standpoint of your progress to track your total rowing distance, how long it took you to do it, or even the speed in which you can perform a stroke Your approach will for the most part be determined by by your existing level of physical condition and general reason for using the rowing exercise machine. Most of the rowers who compete at the collegiate level use the Concept 2 to prepare themselves, so they will obviously pay attention to particular data types.